Lets face it most, dogs are terribly afraid of fireworks. The loud noises send them into a panic, then the flashing lights and the smell of sulphur can send them into a tailspin since their senses are so much keener then our own. They shake, whimper, and try to hide. We as dog parents wonder what can we do to help soothe them, to let them know all is going to be ok. Here are 5 tips that you can try to help them out.

1. Try getting a Thunder shirt or a tight kids t-shirt. (by being tight it helps them feel secure and comforted).

Please don’t use fireworks around us

2. Try putting on a sound machine with white noise or rain water – these have been known to be soothing.

3. Combine a sound machine or tv/stereo and putting them in a quiet room with a light on far as possible from the fireworks.

4. Dampen the noise by closing the curtains.

Our pets can feel our anxiety so please remain calm, happy and upbeat so you don’t transfer your anxiety to them. I f you’re not planning on going out keep an eye on your pet and stay with them. You will both love each others company!

SIGNS OF STRESS:

1. Barking a lot

2. Running away

3. Soiling the house

4. Hiding

5. Cowering

6. Clinging to owner

7. Whimpering

8. Trembling

If these signs continue over a course of a few days you may want to take your dog to see the vet to have a check up.

We are lucky to live in a city that has a choice of dog parks that we can take our dogs to so they can get their play or run on. Dog parks benefit our dogs in many ways, they help expend their energy, they help socialize them. Parks enable our dogs to run free without the worry of a leash.

Dogs that are exercised and socialized tend to have fewer behavior problems, such as barking, chewing on furniture, anxiety, and trying to break out of the house.

Easter has always been a fun Holiday for kids and with that comes responsibility if you have a pet. Why you ask – well there is candy and Easter egg hunts, flowers and toys that aren’t all that safe, for dogs especially. Some dogs think that the whole world is theirs. Mine is one of them!

Here are 5 tips to keep your cat or dog safe while still enjoying Easter.
1. Plastic eggs- While we try and change some things like plastic eggs for real eggs with treasures inside, it still can be dangerous. The plastic or even the treasures within my have small pieces that could obstruct their airway or even block their intestines.
2. Hard boiled eggs – while hard boiled are eggs are not bad for dogs, they do spoil quickly so please be sure that all of the eggs are accounted for. You don’t want your dog to find them otherwise you might end up with a dog that is quite sick.
3. Easter grass for baskets – Cats are attracted to the “grass” that comes in Easter baskets. While it may look cute and fun to watch them play with it, please don’t. If they ingest it could be lethal. They can not digest it and it could lead to the threads of the grass getting stuck and possibly damage their intestines. Tip: Use colorful tissue paper
4. Easter Lilies- VERY TOXIC TO CATS. While lies are gorgeous, but that’s where it ends. If your cat eats ant part of the plant he could possibly die from kidney failure. Tip: if your cat has ingested any please get them to the vet immediately.
Signs to look for:
Drooling
Vomiting pieces of the plant
Loss of appetite
Increased urination followed by a lack of urination after 1-2 days
Dehydration
5. People food- Never good for your pets
now that doesn’t make for a Happy Easter!
6. Chocolate or other candy
7. Easter toys- Those small toys that are cute for your kids in their baskets can be attractive to your pet but can quickly become a choking hazard to your pet.
Hopefully these ideas will help let you have a very Happy, Healthy and Safe Easter!!!

If you are anything like me , I love dogs and am curious each year which dogs made the top 10 breeds that we love. This year isn’t any different- here they are……
1. West Highland Terrier
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd
5. Border Collie
6. Collie
7. Australian Shepherd
8. Yorkshire Terrier
9. Siberian Husky
10. Scottish Terrier

My pup is # 3 a Golden Retriever where does your pup come in or does it?

Today in Glendora a fire got started by someone having a illegal campfire and all it took was a spark from a piece of paper that blew away. In a flash we have an out of control fire with people and pets trying to escape. For the lucky pets their owners were able to take them with them but for some they were left behind. They have to try to keep themselves safe and may get lost in the process.Here are a few tips to help find your lost pet whether behind a fire or just got out because things happen.
1. Check all the shelters not just the one in your area, take a flyer down so they can put it in their book. Also visit the shelters daily.
2. Create the flyer with www.petbond.com and put up everywhere you can. Be sure to put your pets photo, brief description and don’t forget your phone number. If you can afford offer a reward.
3. Put these flyers everywhere you can telephone poles, vet offices, dog parks, doggy day cares, groomers.
4. Talk to everyone you can. That means neighbors, the mailman, kids.
5. If your pet is micro-chipped check the company who the chip is with.
6. If it is an indoor cat that got out place some food and litter box outside where she can smell her own scent. This may help her know this is her home. (Don’t clean it out first)
I hope this helps.
Kristinne
Kristinnes Critter Kare